What is the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension?

The correct answer is choice C. Treating the underlying disease.

Choice A rationale:

Administration of digoxin. Administering digoxin is not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it is not a primary intervention for hypertension. The rationale for this choice being incorrect lies in the fact that digoxin primarily affects the heart's contractility and is not a preferred option for managing high blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Weight control and diet. Weight control and dietary modifications are important aspects of managing hypertension, both primary and secondary. However, they are not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these lifestyle modifications can contribute to blood pressure reduction, the primary focus in secondary hypertension is to identify and address the underlying condition causing the high blood pressure.

Choice C rationale:

Treating the underlying disease. Correct Answer. The initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension is to address the underlying disease or condition that is causing the elevated blood pressure. Unlike primary hypertension, which often lacks a specific underlying cause, secondary hypertension results from an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Treating the root cause can lead to blood pressure normalization.

Choice D rationale:

Administration of β-adrenergic receptor blockers. Administering β-adrenergic receptor blockers is not typically the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these medications can lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline and reducing heart rate, they are not the first-line approach for addressing the underlying cause of secondary hypertension.

Choice A rationale:

Calcium carbonate is often given with meals to individuals with chronic renal disease, especially those on dialysis. One of the primary purposes is to bind dietary phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract. In chronic renal disease, the kidneys are less effective at filtering out excess phosphorus from the blood, leading to elevated phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia). Elevated phosphorus levels can contribute to bone and mineral disorders in these patients. Calcium carbonate forms insoluble calcium phosphate complexes with dietary phosphorus, preventing its absorption and facilitating its elimination from the body through the feces.

Choice B rationale:

While calcium carbonate can interact with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, the primary reason for administering it to individuals with chronic renal disease is to manage phosphorus levels. Calcium carbonate can bind phosphorus and prevent its absorption, which is particularly important for patients with compromised kidney function.

Choice C rationale:

Stimulating appetite is not a primary purpose of administering calcium carbonate to children with chronic renal disease. The main focus is on managing phosphorus levels and preventing complications associated with hyperphosphatemia.

Choice D rationale:

Preventing vomiting is not a primary purpose of giving calcium carbonate to children with chronic renal disease. Calcium carbonate is typically used to manage phosphorus levels and complications related to hyperphosphatemia in this population.